SLSU IEG, TK train first batch of Bantay Dagat on fishery law enforcement

The partnership between Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) through the Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG) Center and Tanggol Kalikasan, Inc. has successfully strengthened marine protection efforts in Quezon Province through a three-day Fishery Law Enforcement Training for Bantay Dagat from the municipalities of Burdeos, Jomalig, Panukulan, Patnanungan, and Polillo.

The training was held from June 23 to 25 at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) National Brackishwater Training Center in Pagbilao, Quezon. This training is part of the ongoing “Environmental Justice Sector Reform Project – Phase 3 (EJSRP 3) funded by the United State Department of the Interior International Technical Assistance Program, which aims to address the training needs of the local government units (LGUs) related to environment protection, planning, and conservation.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Felino J. Gutierrez, Jr., Director of the Office of Extension Services, expressed his expectation for the training saying, “Inaasahan natin sa pagtatapos ng pagsasanay, makakatanggap kayo ng isang matatag na pang unawa at kumpiyansa na nagpatupad ng batas para sa kaligtasan at kaunlaran ng sektor ng pangingisda.” This was followed by a message of support from Mr. Romel B. Calzado, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Polillo, Quezon, saying, “Sana po sa pamamagitan ng programang ito ang magkaroon ng matibay na pagtutulungan at partnership ang mga LGUs sa SLSU, Tanggol Kalikasan, at BFAR.”

The three-day training featured experts on fishery law enforcement from TK and BFAR. Mr. Glenn M. Forbes, J.D., President of TK, provided an in-depth discussion on the state and the environment, which focuses on the power of LGUs and national government agencies’ authority to enforce fishery laws. He also outlined the fishery code of the Philippines as well as the wildlife code. Meanwhile, Atty. Psyche P. Tolentino, a lawyer from TK, covered topics on the basic handling of evidence and the procedures of filing criminal and administrative cases. Mr. Leandro S. Menguito, Training Specialist I of BFAR Region IV-A, introduced BFAR’s guidelines in the conduct of training for deputy fish wardens, enlightening the participants on the guidelines on how to be a deputized fish warden by the department.

Beyond lectures, participants engaged in case studies and practical workshops, including drafting affidavits and case documents. Divided by municipality, they analyzed scenarios such as illegal fishing, dynamite fishing, and cyanide fishing, preparing sample legal documents to reinforce learning. The participants relate their previous experiences to drafting their sample cases.

During the closing program, Mr. Rolando A. Borja, Bantay Dagat from Burdeos, shared his insights and key takeaways, giving importance to his overall learning, “Ito po ay aming palalawigin pa, pagsisikapan lalo’t higit isasabuhay ang aming natutunan.”

“Tayo pong lahat ay nandidito para pangalagaan ang ating kalikasan”, Dr. Gutierrez, delivered in his closing remarks. This initiative reaffirms the dedication of SLSU and TK to empower local enforcers to safeguard Quezon’s marine resources.